Strike affects banking services in Punjab, Haryana

Police had to escort state transport buses at some places in Haryana Tuesday as roadways employees joined the nationwide 24-hour strike call given by 11 trade unions against the policies of the central government.

In Yamunanagar town, 80 km from here, striking roadways staff deflated the tyres of some buses. However, the authorities, with the help of the police, were able to take out some Haryana Roadways buses from their depots and the police escorted them on their journey.

Across Haryana, passengers could be seen stranded at some bus stands as the strike affected normal life.

“I was to take the bus to Karnal but not too many buses are plying today. Now, I am stranded,” Bishan Dass said in Yamunanagar.

People wanting to take public transport to New Delhi and other places faced a tough time.

“I was to reach Chandigarh today but I am stranded at the Delhi ISBT as there are no buses plying,” technician Gulzar said.

Authorities in the state claimed that normal life was unaffected but admitted that workers of some departments like transport, power and others had joined the strike.

In neighbouring Punjab, life was partially affected by the strike.

The rush on the streets of Ludhiana, one of the biggest industrial cities in the country, was less than routine Tuesday following the strike call.